Saturday 3rd August 2019. Easter Inch Moss & Bathgate

Route map for Bathgate & Easter Inch Moss o&b+ by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

A casual social ride of 18 miles exploring a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75, and surfaced cycle track, and maybe a bit of Local History. 

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take Route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path and continuing across Easter Inch Moss to Bathgate stopping at Xcite Bathgate for refreshments, either bring something to eat and drink or buy at the cafe.

Return along NCN 75 to Bathgate Fire Station and the cycle path between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout. Cycle path by Starlaw Road to rejoin the NCN 75 in Livingston and onto the Livingston Path network, to Livingston North Station, Follyburn Path to Peel Park the site of  the place Livingston got its name from. Path and bridge across Cousland Road and back to HPC. We are usually back about 3:30pm. 

Anyone coming from in or near Bathgate may wish to join us at the Xcite Sports Centre, Balbardie Park and return to Livingston on the NCN and Starlaw path as above.

We woud be arriving at Xcite no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 13:00 or shortly after.

• The distance is about 18 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
• There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice. If you do, make sure it is fitted properly or not by its "BEST BEFORE DATE" or there is no point.
• Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
• Check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out a M CHECK. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips
• Some Essential Cycling Skills Videos to help boost your confidence and give you the necessary skills to negotiate on-road journeys.

To  reserve a space and to let us know how many to expect add some details to our CONTACT US form. It does not commit you to attending.

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time. 

August News

Next ride Saturday 7th September

OTHER

SPOKES Bulletin 134 Summer 2019

SPOKES Summer Competition MY CYCLING INSPIRATION. Previously has had a low number of West Lothian entries, so there's a good chance of winning a prize. Other Formats

Active Travel Buddy Rides 

 

  
If you work and stay in or around the Livinston area we can offer to plan a route to cycle to work, and if need be buddy you to show you the way. We try as far as possible to use traffic free quiet routes. Contact us if interested.

The places around Livingston include Broxburn, Bathgate, East Calder, West Calder.

Cycling to Work

It should be possible to cycle from anywhere in Livingston to any workplace in about 20 minutes, and in many instances may be quicker (and cheaper) than driving.

Cycling in Livingston

In 1987 legislation was passed to enable the footpaths in Livingston to be used for cycling except at identified footbridges where cycling is prohibited for safety reasons (source; Leaflet entitled Cycle Routes in Livingston published in 1988 by Lothian Regional Council)

There are 144mls (230km) of traffic free walking and cycling routes (source: Spokes 2018 West Lothian Cycle Map). Thanks to these routes, it is possible to get to virtually any point in Livingston without having to cycle on any road. The routes are well signed and offer an opportunity to travel to local facilities safely and quickly by bike and to discover a Livingston that is mostly hidden to car travellers. National Cycle Network route 75 (Edinburgh - Glasgow) runs through West Lothian (Blackridge, Armadale, Bathgate, Livingston, Kirknewton). This route forms the main route in Livingston. The Livingston path network spreads off and to it.

Barriers

• I will look silly
• I may not be able to keep it up 
• I am not fit enough 
• I do not know a route
• Busy roads, fear of traffic

Why Walk, Why cycle ? 

• Feel good and have fun - walking and cycling (especially with friends) is a great way to relax and have fun, and on top of that you will be as fit as someone 10 years younger! 
• Stay Healthy -  you can reduce the likelihood of many conditions including coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer by exercising regularly, as well as reducing the risk of becoming overweight.
• Spend money on you instead of your car - in addition to the price of fuel, did you know the average cost of maintaining a car each year is £273, compared with just £75 for a bike, and feet are free to use!
• Feel less stressed - regular exercise such as walking and cycling reduces stress and anxiety. A regular short ride can increase your general fitness due to the regularity and not distance.
• Arrive fashionably early - walking and cycling in towns and cities is quicker than car travel, and you won’t need to worry about double yellow lines when you get to your destination.
• Be kind to the environment - you are the ultimate source of renewable energy! Did you know that 2kg of carbon are saved for every short journey that is made on foot or by bike, instead of in a car

  
How to start cycling to work

• Can I cycle that far?
• I don't feel confident cycling on busy roads.
• My bike isn't in great condition.
• Won't I arrive at work hot and bothered? Or drenched by the rain?
• How do I keep my bike safe?

Commute by bike with confidence

• Be prepared.
• Staying fresh. 
• Take it at your own pace.
• Be road confident.
• Winter commuting.
• "Combined" commuting

Cycle Streets Journey Planner

Maps. Me Phone App. Uses the phone GPS. Works offline without mobile data use and where there is no phone signal.

Bike User Groups - Scotbug

Support for workplace active travel - Way to Work

If you cycle on a regular basis -  say a daily commute or to the shops - you'll enjoy a fitness level of a person 10 years younger... So trade in your gym subscription and forget the scare stories ; the health benefits of cycling significantly outweigh the risks on British roads. From Which July 2005.